Additional courses to boost low GPA ???

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Additional courses to boost low GPA ???

by dossgs » Wed Feb 12, 2014 5:41 am
Hello there,

Thanks for spending time in this post.

Here is my profile:

Program Interested: MBA FT
Work experience:
Total 5 years in Technology consulting (SAP). First 3 years in Indian MNC IT consultancy firm and next 2 years in Big 4 firm (think KPMG, PwC, etc).
2 promotions in these 5 years.
Have experience in leading a team of 10 people in my project. All my work is from home country (India) but worked with US, Europe people.

GMAT: Preparing for GMAT - will score ~700
GPA: Bachelors 77% in Computer Science from Anna University (2008) (Top 5 student in my class) - Diploma 90% in Instrumentation & control engg.(2005) (State 4th Rank - news came in paper but i don't have the paper with me now)
Extra curricular activities:
During college I developed a Student Management software for my college to help efficiently manage students information, College football team captain, Company cricket team captain, volunteer for Rotary club International and other NGO involved with under privileged children.
Nationality: Indian
Age: 26/M
Certifications: SAP Certified in Supply Chain module
Target programs: Top10 US /Top5 European schools
When you apply: In the next 1 year
Post MBA goal: Short Term - To get into Management consulting focusing on strategy. Long Term - To become C level executive for Fortune 100 company

To increase my chances, shall I take some additional courses on Accounting, Finance, Economics to boost my GPA. I am not sure how my 77% in Under Grad will turn to GPA system used in US schools.

If I can take courses, can I take from sites like Coursera, education-portal.com ? Will it really value add to my profile?

Please tell me your comments on my profile.

Thanks.
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by GeneralEducation » Thu Feb 13, 2014 4:36 am
Hi,

You can compensate low GPA by scoring really high on GMAT so prepare well for GMAT. Additional courses and professional certifications in your domain will definitely add value to your profile.

Regards,
Manish
Try GMAT Diagnostic tool visit https://gmat.general-ed.info/

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by CriticalSquareMBA » Thu Feb 13, 2014 6:40 am
Hey there,

Thanks for posting - let's see if we can't help you! So you did well in your class - top 5 is great! Your university, however, isn't that highly ranked and, as I'm sure you're aware, most students at the top ranked MBA programs come from the IIT level.

Your GPA doesn't warrant attention. If you were top 5, then a 77% probably means First Class w/ Distinction? If that's the case, then "bolstering your GPA" is completely unnecessary. You need to build an alternative transcript when you have glaring holes in your history. Say you got a C in calculus after the curve - then maybe fix that. Or maybe you have graduated with such a mediocre GPA that it doesn't help you at all. In which case taking other courses will help. You, however, did well. Better than almost EVERYONE else in your school. At a raw performance level, what are you looking to fix specifically? The main concern here is the university prestige. And there isn't much you can do about that.

Now, you could still take some additional classes if you feel your background doesn't prepare you for an MBA. Maybe you took too many engineering courses or you don't have a strong grasp on finance. In which case an alternative transcript could help!

Lastly, let's talk about what courses you take. I actually had a great conversation with another Beat the GMAT poster and I suggest you view that thread for our take on the various options available to you: https://www.beatthegmat.com/pre-mba-clas ... tml#707960

If you have questions or want me to elaborate on anything, let me know!

Bhavik
Critical Square | MBA Admissions Services

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